Presented by Great Performances and Latino Public Broadcasting’s VOCES
The Documentary Follows John Leguizamo’s path to the Great White Way with his Tony-nominated play, Latin History for Morons
From the very start of his career, when he was first introduced to audienceswith his one-man show, Spic-O=Rama, John Leguizamo has told of his first boyhood encounter with racism. It was a typical older bully bustling out the usual insults, “Get out of my country, you stupid, ugly spic!”
Now, his non-stopping career is recaptured in John Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway premieres nationwide on Friday, November 16 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). This film follows the always provocative Leguizamo as he prepares for his most challenging theatrical quest yet — cramming 3,000 years of Latino history into 90 minutes of stage time for his one-man show. With extraordinary access to his creative process, the film traces the evolution of his latest success, Tony-nominated play Latin History for Morons, from its challenging premise through its triumphant debut.
For the past two and a half decades, Leguizamo has asked a simple question: Where are all the Latin People in Hollywood? –CQ Interview, Joshua Rivera, February 28, 2018
John Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway is a special co-presentation of Great Performances and Latino Public Broadcasting’s VOCES, and is directed by Ben DeJesus.
Inspired by real life, the show begins when Leguizamo’s son gets a school assignment on heroes, and Leguizamo embarks on a quest to find him a Latino hero to celebrate. In the process, he delivers an irreverent crash course in 3,000 years of buried history, with Leguizamo acting all of the characters. Along the way, he uncovers provocative truths that shock even him.
Infused throughout the documentary is Leguizamo’s special brand of humor and willingness to expose himself personally, a rare combination that has made him a unique force in American theater, from his debut show Mambo Mouth through a string of successes that include Spic-O-Rama, Freak, Sexaholix…a Love Story and Ghetto Klown. The road to his ultimate goal – making Latin History for Morons his next Broadway hit – unfolds in a cross-country adventure that not only offers an intimate look into the journey of a singular artist but also shines a light on the rarely-told stories of Latino heroes who made their mark on America. As opening night approaches, Leguizamo navigates the challenges of writing (and re-writing) history lessons meant to both enlighten and entertain.
Featuring interviews with Rita Moreno, Mark Ruffalo, Ethan Hawke, Ruben Blades, director Tony Taccone and the Public Theater’s Artistic Director Oskar Eustis, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the one-man show taking shape, the film follows Leguizamo’s process – from his early research to his first-ever comedy club tour, through workshops of the show – culminating in performances at the historic Public Theater and on Broadway.
“We’re delighted to present this insightful, funny and moving new documentary with Great Performances,” said Sandie Viquez Pedlow, executive producer of LPB’s VOCES.
John Leguizamo has transformed the Latino stage experience and this film gives us an invaluable inside look at a true genius at work.”
“We’re honored to include John Leguizamo as part of our ‘Broadway’s Best’ lineup this year,” said David Horn, executive producer for Great Performances. “We believe viewers will love the inside look into not only the play’s creation but also into the brilliant mind of Leguizamo, an artist who is making his own mark on Broadway history.”
John Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway is a production of NGL Studios, in association with THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET and Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB)with major funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Sandie Viquez Pedlow is executive producer for VOCES and LPB. For Great Performances: Bill O’Donnell is a series producer and David Horn is executive producer.
Major funding for Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding for Great Performances is provided by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Arts Fund, the Irene Diamond Fund, Rosalind P. Walter, the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, The Agnes Varis Trust, The Starr Foundation, the Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Ellen and James S. Marcus, The Abra Prentice Foundation, and PBS.
Great Performances is produced by THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET, one of America’s most prolific and respected public media providers.
Produced by Latino Public Broadcasting, VOCES is the signature Latino arts and culture documentary showcase on PBS, and the only ongoing national television series devoted to exploring and celebrating the rich diversity of the Latino cultural experience. The series is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
John Leguizamo’s Road to Broadway will also be available for streaming on November 17th at PBS.org/gperf and on PBS apps.
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